SPRINGFIELD - City Council President William T. Foley, who has served for 28 years as a municipally elected official, announced Tuesday he will not seek re-election in the fall.

Foley, 62, however, did not rule out someday making a run for mayor, saying it has always been his goal.

"However, I feel , at this time, I cannot give the people the respect and commitment they deserve," Foley said of his decision not to seek re-election. "Right now, I don't feel I can do the job properly. I used to be very enthusiastic. Mentally, I'm just kind of burned out, and need to recharge my batteries."

Foley becomes the fifth council incumbent choosing not to seek re-election. The council is changing and expanding on the November ballot from nine at-large seats, to a 13-member elected body consisting of five at-large seats and eight ward seats.

Foley said the change to ward representation, and the five-year tenure of a state-imposed Finance Control Board in Springfield, that ended June 30, were not factors in his decision to not seek re-election.

Foley has been among the highest vote-getters on the council. In the last election in 2007, he was the third highest vote-getter, and placed second among all council candidates in 2005.

Foley said he enjoyed serving 26 years on the City Council, preceded by two years on the School Committee, and believes he is the longest serving, municipally elected official in the city's history.

"I want to thank the people for allowing me to serve," Foley said. "I may be back."

Others not seeking re-election this year include Councilor Bud L. Williams, who is running instead for mayor against incumbent Mayor Domenic J. Sarno. Councilors Rosemarie Mazza Moriarty, Patrick J. Markey and Bruce W. Stebbins, have previously announced they will not seek re-election.

Sarno said he sorry that Foley is not seeking re-election, saying it will be the city's loss.

"Bill is a gentleman and a true statesman and I consider him a great friend," Sarno said. "Bill has always put the people before politics. I have always had a great working relationship with Bill and have the highest regard for him."

Foley began a streak of 14 election victories in November of 1981, serving on the School Committee, leaving mid-way through a four-year term to run for his first two-year term on the City Council in 1983.

He is employed as assistant regional manager of the Springfield district of the Massachusetts State Lottery, and lives at 221 Wildwood Ave., with his wife, Sheila, and son, Ryan.

Foley receives an annual salary of approximately $83,000 with the Massachusetts State Lottery. The annual salary for a city councilor is $13,050, with the president receiving an additional $500.

Foley said he has never missed a regular council meeting in 26 years, and said he has averaged 600 official visits to neighborhoods and community events for each of service.

During his tenure, he was elected by councilors to serve as council president four times.

He ultimately might not run for mayor in future years, "but always will leave that door open," he said.